I won't be. Toby chose me, but Robin was there first. Robin held him together when I broke him apart. Robin showed up with a duffel bag full of hope.
I meet Robin's eyes. Give him a small nod. Acknowledgment. Respect.
Robin's eyebrows lift, just slightly. Surprised. Then his smirk softens into something closer to approval. Not fully there yet—I haven't earned that—but the beginning of it. A door cracked open.
"Okay," Toby says brightly, grabbing the duffel bag. "I'm gonna go shower and get dressed."
"Yes, good plan." Robin wrinkles his nose. "You smell a little like a giant cat right now."
My irritation shifts into something smugger. Damn right he smells like me.
Toby rolls his eyes at both of us. "You two are going to be a nightmare, aren't you?"
"Absolutely," Robin says cheerfully.
I just smirk.
"I think I'll just hang out here until you're done," Robin announces, moving toward the booths.
"Really? You want to stay?"
Robin pauses, looking between Toby and me. "You two made up, right? For real this time?"
Toby nods.
"Then I guess this is our home away from home." Robin drops onto the bench across from Ezra like he owns the place. "What are we watching?"
Ezra looks at me, helpless. I shrug. You're on your own.
"Sports Center?" Ezra offers.
"Acceptable. But we're switching to cooking shows after this." Robin plucks the remote out of Ezra's hand. "I need to see if they're doing anything interesting with autumn squash."
I watch Robin settle in, already taking over, and something in my chest loosens. He's not just tolerating this. He's making space for himself here. For Toby.
Our worlds are colliding. Somehow, they're fitting together.
My hand finds Toby's back. "Come on. Before he takes over my entire bar."
"Too late," Toby murmurs, but he's smiling.
We climb the stairs together. When I close the apartment door behind us, I crowd him against it, my hands finding his waist.
I don't kiss him right away. Just look at him—sleep-mussed and wearing my shirt and here, still here.
"You're here," I say quietly.
"I'm here."
"When I woke up and you were still there..." I swallow. "I thought I was dreaming. Thought I'd open my eyes and you'd be gone."
"I'm not going anywhere." He turns his head, presses a kiss to my palm. "You're stuck with me now, remember?"
"Good." I lean in, rest my forehead against his. "I love you."
The words feel different in daylight. Last night they were heat and desperation. Now they're quiet. Certain.
"I love you too." He slides his arms around my neck. "Even though you looked all pissy at my best friend."
